3D Gait Analysis of Children Treated for Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equinovarus After Completion of Ponseti Treatment.

Introduction: The Ponseti method is a globally accepted treatment modality for Clubfoot or Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV). This study compares the kinematic and kinetic gait patterns in children with unilateral and bilateral idiopathic clubfeet with the age-matched control group. Methods: 40 children with a mean age of 9.61 ± 3.04 (6-15 years) of which 23 (23 feet) were unilateral and 17 children (34 feet) were bilateral, who had completed 2 years post weaning of splints. Clinical examination included a range of motion of the ankle, static and dynamic deformities, and rotational profile of the hip. 3D Gait analysis was performed with a multi-camera motion capture system. Results: In unilateral CTEV, there was a significant difference in calf girth and foot size. Ankle dorsiflexion showed a statistically significant difference in mid-swing (p =  < .001) although Initial contact and Loading Response and Terminal Stance were reduced and were not statistically significant for unilateral CTEV. A significant difference in ankle inversion p =  < .001 was noted in mid-swing in Unilateral and Bilateral feet. On comparison to the control participant's normal, kinetic data showed Internal Ankle plantar flexor moments (p =  < .001) to be reduced in the unilateral and bilateral groups. Internal ankle extensor movement was statistically significant in the bilateral group, while in the unilateral group, it was not. Ankle power was statistically reduced in both groups. Conclusion: Gait analysis shows subtle kinetic and kinematic changes in children with clubfeet, mainly deviations in ankle rockers and reduced ankle power generation which may impact clinical function.